Frontal nerve

Frontal nerve
Nerves of the orbit. Seen from above.
Details
From	Ophthalmic nerve
To	supratrochlear nerve and supraorbital nerve
Identifiers
Latin	nervus frontalis
TA98	A14.2.01.020
TA2	6199
FMA	52638
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

The frontal nerve is the largest branch of the ophthalmic nerve (V₁), itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V).

Structure

The frontal nerve branches from the ophthalmic nerve immediately before entering the superior orbital fissure. In then travels superolateral to the annulus of Zinn between the lacrimal nerve and inferior ophthalmic vein. After entering the orbit it travels anteriorly between the roof periosteum and the levator palpebrae superioris. Midway between the apex and base of the orbit it divides into two branches, the supratrochlear nerve and supraorbital nerve.

Functions

The two branches of the frontal nerve provide sensory innervation to the skin of the forehead, mucosa of the frontal sinus, and the skin of the upper eyelid.

Additional images

• 
  Nerves of the orbit. The frontal nerve is visible branching from the ophthalmic nerve.
• 
  Superior view of a dissection of the orbit. The frontal nerve is visible branching into the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves.
• 
  Superior view of a dissection of the orbit. An instrument is inserted between the frontal nerve and the levator palpebrae superioris.